Meet Loudmar Portilho | Software Engineer & Spare time traveller

We had the good fortune of connecting with Loudmar Portilho and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Loudmar, how do you think about risk?
How I Think About Risk.
For me, taking risks is synonymous with living authentically and pursuing the life I envision for myself. It embodies boldness and the decision to be true to oneself rather than conforming to societal expectations. Society often tries to mold us into predefined roles, but I believe in stepping out and embracing the unique path that brings me happiness, even if it diverges from the norm.

The Role Risk Taking Has Played in My Life.
Reflecting on my life, I see a continuous thread of challenging myself and pushing boundaries.
As a child, I struggled with severe dust allergies, which resulted in developing OCD. This condition dictated many aspects of my life, including a need for cleanliness and routine. I avoided sleepovers and other activities that disrupted my controlled environment, bringing considerable difficulty and misery to my everyday life.
However, at the age of 15, I made a pivotal decision to confront this challenge. I chose to take the risk of stepping out of my comfort zone by traveling. Travel inherently placed me in unfamiliar and often uncomfortable situations, forcing me to adapt, accept, and compromise. This process was instrumental in helping me manage my OCD. It wasn’t an overnight transformation, but gradually, taking the risk to travel and face my fears helped me gain control over my OCD. Today, I am not entirely free from it, but I live a much more normal and fulfilling life because I dared to challenge the limitations imposed by my condition.
This philosophy of risk-taking has also significantly shaped my professional journey. My career path has been anything but linear. I started in an ice-cream factory, then moved on to roles in an accountancy office, a hospital administrator, and a language school operations manager before finally becoming a software engineer, which is my current role. At each stage, if I felt stagnant or unfulfilled, I never hesitated to take the risk of moving on to something better.
Each career transition was a leap into the unknown, but these risks were essential for my growth and satisfaction. For example, moving from a stable role as a language school operations manager to an entirely different field as a software engineer required learning new skills and adapting to new environments. Yet, each risk I took opened doors to new opportunities and allowed me to discover and cultivate my passions.
In summary, taking risks has been a fundamental aspect of my life and career. It has allowed me to live authentically, manage personal challenges, and continuously evolve professionally. Embracing risk means embracing growth, self-discovery, and the pursuit of happiness on my own terms.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
What Sets Me Apart
While I don’t consider my journey to be extraordinary, I believe what sets me apart is my willingness to take risks and step out of my comfort zone in pursuit of my dreams. This approach has allowed me to navigate a diverse and evolving career path, continuously seeking growth and new challenges.

Professional Achievements
One of the proudest moments in my life was at the age of 15 when I made a conscious decision to confront my severe OCD and travel, despite the discomfort it caused. This pivotal decision marked the beginning of my journey towards personal growth and adaptability, traits that have significantly shaped my professional life.

Career Path
My career has been far from linear, starting in an ice-cream factory and moving through roles in an accountancy office, hospital administration, and language school operations management before becoming a software engineer. Each transition required a leap of faith and a commitment to learning and adapting to new environments.

Overcoming Challenges
Transitioning from a comfortable role as a language school operations manager to a completely different field as a software engineer was one of the most challenging experiences of my life. It involved a year of intense study, networking, and battling self-doubt. The key to overcoming these challenges was my dedication and persistence. I immersed myself fully in learning and developing new skills, always keeping my end goal in sight.
Lessons Learned
Through these experiences, I learned a valuable lesson: if you put your mind to something and fully commit, you can achieve it. This mindset has been my guiding principle, helping me overcome obstacles and stay focused on my goals.

My Story and Brand
I want the world to know the importance of kindness and patience, especially towards those who are starting anew. Everyone deserves respect and support, regardless of where they are in their journey. My story is one of resilience and continuous growth, driven by the belief that stepping out of your comfort zone and taking risks is essential for personal and professional fulfilment.
In essence, my career journey is a testament to the power of risk-taking, dedication, and the continue pursuit of one’s dreams. It’s about embracing change, learning from challenges, and always striving to become a better version of oneself.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If a friend is visiting me in the UK, this would be our week long itinerary:

Day 1: Arriving in London – Explore the iconic Tower of London – Visit the British Museum – Enjoy a walk along the River Thames and take in the views of the city. Eat in Chinatown and drinks in Soho.
Day 2: London – Take a tour of the Buckingham Palace – Visit the Natural History Museum – Explore the vibrant neighborhood of Camden Town for food and drinks.
Day 3: Oxford – Take a day trip to Oxford – Visit the Ashmolean Museum – Explore the beautiful Botanic Garden.
Day 4: Bath – Visit the famous Roman Baths – Explore the stunning Bath Abbey – Relax at the Thermae Bath Spa
Day 5-6: Lake District National Park – Take a trip to the Lake District National Park – Enjoy hiking in the beautiful nature and take in the stunning lake views – Visit the Beatrix Potter Gallery.
Day 7: Day trip to Brighton – Visit the Royal Pavilion – Roller-coaster at Brighton Pier – Relax at the Brighton Beach – Explore the unique North Laine and eat fish and chips by the beach.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There are countless people who have played a significant role in shaping me into the person I am today. While it would be impossible to name everyone and risk the injustice of leaving someone out, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to a few key figures.
First and foremost, I want to acknowledge the incredible support of my family. Especially my mum and dad, they have been my pillars of strength. They have always encouraged and allowed me to chase my dreams, no matter how unconventional they might seem. Their belief in me has been a constant source of motivation and courage.
I also want to thank my brothers and sisters. Their presence and support have been invaluable, providing a sense of stability and belonging that has grounded me throughout my journey. Additionally, I am incredibly grateful to my close friends, whose inspiration and encouragement have pushed me to become a better person every day.
To all of you, thank you for being part of my journey and for helping me become the person I am today. Your love, support, and encouragement mean the world to me.

Instagram: @loudmar_bp

Image Credits
All image are mine.